110405tt

110405tt 11 04 05 5 Apr 2011 The Times Flip-Flop: South African Foreign Policy on Libya and Ivory Coast

Accused of being inconsistent in its foreign policy, the South African government maintains that it has been unambigious. What has South Africa's position been on Libya? On the 9th March, Libyan state television reported that Jacob Zuma called up Gaddafi to offer moral support. On the 17th March 2011, South Africa voted with 9 other members for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 (‘No-Fly Zone’), which in essence meant defending the civilian population in Libya from attacks by its own government. This put Zuma and his ANC government in a dilemma. Does he support the rebels fighting an oppressive government or does it support its longtime ally the oppressor? Regarding the conflict in the Ivory Coast, South Africa observed a benevolent neutrality on the Ivorian crisis. South Africa now officially stands behind the position of the African Union, which recognizes Alassane Ouattara as the sole legitimate president and has formally requested the departure of Laurent Gbagbo. Previously the Gbagbo camp claimed they had an alliance with Pretoria, together with six other African countries.

But we have been consistent with Ivory Coast and Libya

We flipped-flopped on both

SA Foreign policy slammed - Internat. relations minster - Nkoana-Mashabane

South African Foreign Policy South Africa Libya Ivory coast Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

SA's position on Libya unambiguous
Gbagbo loses important South African support
Just what did South Africa's Zuma tell Qaddafi in a phone call?
Libya UN Resolution 1973: Text analysed
 
 
 
 

st 20110405tt Apr The Times /Cartoons/m_110405tt.jpg 110405tt Cartoons The Times Year-2011 Year-2011-04

 
4064